Candidates appearing for the IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 must carry the prescribed documents to the examination centre. As per the IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI notification, candidates will not be permitted to appear for the Online Preliminary Examination without a valid call letter and an original photo identity proof.
Documents Required For IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026
Candidates should carefully check all documents before leaving for the IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026, scheduled for 22 and 23 August 2026, as any discrepancy in identity details or failure to carry the required documents can result in denial of entry.
Documents Required for IBPS PO Prelims Exam 2026 at a Glance
| Document | Requirement |
| IBPS PO Prelims Call Letter | Mandatory |
| Original Valid Photo ID Proof | Mandatory |
| Photocopy of Photo ID Proof | Mandatory |
| Additional Passport-size Photograph | Mandatory |
| Scribe Declaration Form | Applicable to candidates using a scribe |
| Category/Eligibility Certificates | Generally required at later stages, not as routine Prelims entry documents |
1. IBPS PO Prelims Call Letter
The IBPS PO Prelims Call Letter 2026 is the most important document for entering the examination centre. Candidates must download the call letter from the official IBPS website after its release. The call letter contains important details such as the candidate’s:
- Name
- Roll number/registration details
- Examination date
- Reporting time
- Exam start time
- Examination centre and address
- Important instructions
IBPS will not send a hard copy of the call letter or Information Handout through post or courier. Candidates have to download it online using their registration details and password/date of birth.
Photograph on the Call Letter
Candidates must paste their photograph on the call letter as instructed. The photograph should be the same as the one uploaded during the application process. Candidates must also carry one additional photograph identical to the photograph pasted on the call letter.
2. Original Valid Photo ID Proof
Candidates must carry an original and currently valid photo identity proof to the IBPS PO Prelims exam centre. The name on the ID proof must be exactly the same as the name mentioned on the call letter and application form. The ID proof will be checked against the candidate’s details in the call letter and attendance list.
Accepted Photo ID Proofs for IBPS PO Prelims
According to the IBPS PO 2026 notification, candidates can carry any one of the following valid photo ID proofs:
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Permanent Driving Licence
- Voter’s Card with photograph
- Bank Passbook with photograph
- Photo identity proof issued by a Gazetted Officer or People’s Representative on official letterhead
- Identity Card issued by a recognised college or university
- Aadhaar Card
- E-Aadhaar Card with photograph
- Employee ID
- Bar Council Identity Card with photograph
3. Photocopy of the Photo ID Proof
Candidates should also carry a photocopy of the same photo ID proof that they bring in original. IBPS requires candidates to submit the photocopy of the photo identity proof along with the examination call letter. The original ID will be checked for verification, while the photocopy is retained/processed as instructed at the examination venue. Therefore, candidates should keep both:
- Original photo ID proof
- Photocopy of the same ID proof
4. Additional Photograph
An additional recent photograph matching the photograph pasted on the call letter must be carried to the examination centre. IBPS has clearly stated that candidates without the additional photograph will not be permitted to appear for the exam. Candidates are advised to carry a few extra copies of the same photograph to avoid any last-minute issue.
5. Scribe Declaration Form, If Applicable
Candidates who have opted for a scribe during the online application process have additional requirements. The scribe details have to be filled in while downloading the examination call letter, and the scribe declaration form containing the filled-in details must be downloaded separately along with the call letter. Candidates using a scribe must carry the required form and documents to the examination centre.
Biometric Verification at IBPS PO Exam Centre
- IBPS may capture or verify the candidate’s photograph and biometric data, including the right thumb impression or another biometric where required, at different stages of the selection process.
- Candidates should ensure that their fingers are clean and dry on the exam day. If the fingers have ink, mehndi, colour or other coating, it should be removed before biometric verification.
- Candidates must also maintain the same appearance as the photograph uploaded during the application process, as the photograph may be matched during verification.
Documents Not Required for Routine IBPS PO Prelims Entry
Candidates should understand the difference between exam-day documents and documents required during interview/document verification. Documents such as the following are primarily required at later stages, wherever applicable:
- Graduation mark sheets/certificates
- Date of birth proof
- SC/ST/OBC certificate
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate
- PwBD certificate
- Experience certificate
- Ex-serviceman documents
- No Objection Certificate for eligible serving candidates
Is Aadhaar Card Mandatory for IBPS PO Prelims 2026?
No, Aadhaar Card is not the only accepted ID proof for IBPS PO Prelims 2026. The notification lists several acceptable photo identity documents, including PAN Card, Passport, Permanent Driving Licence, Voter’s Card, Bank Passbook with photograph, Aadhaar Card, E-Aadhaar Card with photograph and other specified IDs.
Important Name-Matching Rule for IBPS PO Exam
One of the most important checks before the exam is the name printed on the ID proof. The name on the photo ID should match the name mentioned on the:
- IBPS PO application form
- Prelims call letter
- Attendance list
What If Your Name Has Changed?
Candidates whose name has changed may be allowed to appear only after producing the required original supporting document, such as:
- Original Gazette notification
- Original marriage certificate
- Original affidavit
IBPS PO Prelims 2026 Exam Day Important Instructions
Apart from carrying the required documents, candidates should remember these important points:
- Reach Before the Reporting Time : Candidates reporting after the reporting time mentioned on the call letter will not be permitted to take the examination. IBPS also states that although the Preliminary Examination itself is one hour long, candidates may need to remain at the venue for around two hours or more because of verification, document collection, login and other formalities.
- Carry the Same ID Used for Verification : Carry the original ID and photocopy of the same ID. The name must match the application and call letter details.
- Do Not Carry an Unaccepted ID : Ration Card and Learner’s Driving Licence are specifically not accepted as valid ID proof for the IBPS PO selection process.
- Keep the Stamped Documents Safely : After the Preliminary Examination, retain the authenticated/stamped call letter and ID photocopy because they will be required if the candidate is shortlisted for the Main Examination.
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